How would you explain checks and balances to high school students?
This concept goes over the heads of many adults, let alone teenagers, so let’s review it.
What Are Checks and Balances?
First, our Founders developed checks and balances to avoid tyranny, plain and simple. If the government is divided in its responsibilities, each branch is accountable to the others. This is the way they check and balance each other.
The Purpose Behind Checks and Balances
Second, if you think this causes a lot of disension, you are correct. It’s by design. The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government must deliberate, cooperate, and yet be separate in their actions. This helps our government act constitutionally rather than through power grabs or emotional manipulation.
How Three Branches of Government Hold Each Other Accountable
Let’s look at a few examples of checks and balances at work with help from Cleon W. Skousen. (1)
-The House serves as a check on the Senate since no statute can become law without the approval of the House and vice versa.
-The President can restrain both Houses of Congress by using their veto to send back any bill that doesn’t meet their approval.
-The Congress has a check on the President by being able to pass a bill over the President’s veto.
-The President must have Senate approval when filling important offices in the executive branch.
-The judiciary has a check on the legislative branch through its authority to review all laws and determine their constitutionality.
-We the People have a check on our Congressmen every two years, on the President every four years, and on the Senate every six years through our voting.
Why Checks and Balances Matter Today
Know that our Founders gave us this process to protect us. People are prone to abuse power. It’s human nature. Our Founders gave us a country with a process and a reasonable way to handle crises.
Can you think of a recent example of a check and balance in our government? In your comment, please avoid turning this into a political discussion below, and do not use the names of prominent politicians or political parties.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
(1) Skousen, W. Cleon. The Five Thousand Year Leap: 28 Ideas That Changed the World. National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981
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